Chadar Trek

Overview:

Ladakh can prove to be a difficult place for travelling. The mountains at Ladakh are very steep and in the winter season, many mountain passes get closed and the roads also become treacherous.  Due to heavy snowfall in the winter season, some remote villages become totally unreachable between November to March.  One of the methods to reach these snow covered remote villages during this season is trekking.  The trekkers must have to travel on the top of ice i.e. frozen rivers.  The Chadar trek  is one of the routes of such  trekking.  This route connects the villages which are situated in the Zanskar Valley which is located deep in the mountains on the road to Leh.  It is alongside the ice-covered Zanskar River. This way has been used by the people since many years for trading and transport. This route is considered as the most reliable path especially in February when the ice becomes most firm.

Now, we should take a note that Zanskar River has huge basin and it is also a fast-flowing river.  There is a steep valley between most of its length between Zanskar Valley and Chilling. Consider yourself walking over the frozen river’s thin ice with a large bag pack on your shoulders and you can see the stream of the freezing water just few inches below your feet. If you find this idea spooky, then you are not the only one who has terrified with this thought. In extreme conditions, people can lose their lives during Chadar Trek  , especially the local porters who have to carry the goods on the river to earn the living. These porters who can’t afford to be conformists fall victim to such extreme conditions. It has been seen that usually the trek from Zanskar Valley to Chilling takes more than a week to complete and the porters usually sleep in the caves of the canyon walls at night.

This Chadar Trek is believed to be unique and one of the most thrilling treks.  It is a trek which is very special and amazing as it has to be done on the shiny ice of Tsarap River. You will get a vehicle drop up to Chilling Sumdo (crossed road) and after that you will lead further to a steep valley where you will see some spectacular views of ice covered peaks and hanging icicles. This outstanding view of nature will attract you while you are travelling across the valley.  You will enjoy the night stay at the cave camps where the bone-fire will keep you warm and comfortable.

The daily trek begins at 9:00 am when the sun shines in the sky at the background of cool blue skies. This environment cheers you up while you struggle with the freezing cold.  The trek goes like this from Tsarap River which flows in the region of Nyerag Lingshed and comprises to Zanskar. 

Now, after getting to know about this adventurous ride, it is pointless to mention that you must have a good guide with you while on Chadar Trek.   It is nerve-racking trekking on the ice. The snow covering all over the ice makes it more difficult to guess the thickness of the ice. During the trek you may have to walk along a narrow edge of ice guarded by the canon wall on one of your side and on the other side you have to watch out of deep rushing freezing cold water.  In case you slip or fall, it can prove to be fatal as the water stream is very deep and fast. If you fall in the stream, you would be swept away under the ice in seconds. 

 The Chadar Trek is considered as an endangered adventure and within 5 years of period, it may close down from its present form. The road is getting built out of the mountains above the river and when it gets completed the access to the remote villages in this area during winter season will be easy as compared to today. The road will be safe and convenient than the frozen river to travel during winter. But for better or worse, this will end the local practice of walking over the frozen river which has been followed since ancient times.

 Most of sections of Zanskar River which is the major river of Ladakh gets frozen and covered with a thick snow blanket. This frozen ‘Chadar’ or blanket is Zanskaris‘ only path to stay in touch with the outer world during the winter season. In winter, all the caravan roads and other routes get closed to heavy snowfall l and extreme weather conditions. This ‘Chadar’ route has been used traditionally since centuries for trading and transportation during winter by the local people.  This route between Chilling to Padum as mentioned earlier takes seven to eight days of walk and is very dangerous and outstanding experience.   The scene attains an untouched grandeur in the winter season as the path enters into the gorge of the Zanskar. Here the temperatures sometimes drops to – 30 to – 35 Degree Celsius.

Ø  Region: - Leh, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Ø  Duration: - 09 days

Ø  Grade: - Difficult

Ø  Max Altitude: - 11,123 Ft.

Ø  Approx Trekking Km: - 75 kms

How to reach by Air:-

When you fly miles after miles over snow covered mountains, you realize that it is impossible to travel to Ladakh by road during winters. Many air companies like Jet Airways, Go Air and Air India have their flights daily for Ladakh (once every day). They provide flights between New Delhi and Leh every day.   If you want to arrange your tour to this area in cheaper rates then you must book your air tickets well in advance. In this way you can cut down your tour expenses.  You will get to fly over and enjoy the charismatic view of many untouched areas. You will get to see some mountain ranges as well. This breathtaking aerial view of this snow covered region will prove to be a great start for your fascinating adventurous tour.

Brief Itinerary:      

Ø  Day 1 :- Fly to Leh

Ø  Day 2 :- Drive to Tlad Do via Chilling

Ø  Day 3 :- Tilad Do to Gyalpo

Ø  Day 4 :- Gyalpo camp to Tibb Cave

Ø  Day 5 :- Tibb cave to Naerak camp

Ø  Day 6:- Naerak to Tibb Cave.

Ø  Day 7:- Tibb Cave to Gyalpo.

Ø  Day 8:- Gyalpo to Tilad Do and drive to Leh.

Ø  Day 9:- Return from Leh.

Detailed Itinerary:

Ø  Day 1

You have to travel for Leh by air on your first day of the trek. Once you reach there, get time to relax and get adjusted to the environment. When you travel by air, you will see the heavy snow clad mountains. After seeing this, you will realize that it is impossible to travel by road in Leh during winter. When you will reach at Leh airport which is one of the highest airports in the world, you will feel the difference of climate and air. After getting adjusted with the temperature, you can visit the local marketplace to do some last minute shopping for your trek. After that, take a rest at the cozy guest house which has been booked for you. The chilled temperature at Leh is only a preview of what you will be going to experience in coming few days.

Ø  Day 2

On the second day, you will start for Tilad Do via Chilling by road.  Your journey will start in the morning after viewing the beautiful sunrise from Shanti stupa. You will get the panoramic view of oLeh and its surroundings from this place. You will also see the peak of Stok Kangri inviting you to climb it.   

But today’s schedule is to reach Chilling via a thrilling road journey. You will travel alongside the Indus River and visit village of Nimu where Zanskar River meets Indus River. After enjoying this picturesque view, you will descend right into the river valley. You will experience some breathtaking moments when your vehicle will travel through steep bends over majestic snow covered mountains.  The road goes via Chilling to Tilad Do. To reach at your campsite, you will have to walk over the frozen Zanskar River. These will be your first steps on the Chadar- the ice covered floor. It takes some time to get used to walk on the ice sheet. When you reach the campsite, our Team will place tents for you on the banks of Zanskar. You will be given thick and warm sleeping bags for your comfort. To keep yourself warm, you can take a walk to nearby mountains and view the extraordinary beauty of this frozen river. After sunset, the temperature will drop and you will have to pull over your sleeping bags.

Day 3

 On the third day, you will travel from Tilad Do to Gyalpo. The day awaits a challenge for you to walk 12 kms in freezing cold. It is a challenge for everyone to leave those warm sleeping bags and walk in the chilled frozen atmosphere. Your trek leaders will give you some tips about walking on the Chadar. The Chadar can be a hard thick surface of slippery ice or a dusting snow surface as well. The thickness of ice cannot be assumed hence it is advisable for you to stay close to your group and guide. Walking on the Chadar is like a cross between skating and gliding but it is the best experience. After such walk, you will be served hot soupy noodles for lunch. You must have proper amount of fluid intake to keep your blood circulation regular. You will reach at the campsite located in Gyalo after crossing Shingra Koma. You will be allotted your tents and then you can take a rest. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the river, high snow clad peaks, walls of rock faces and end your day after having dinner.

Ø  Day 4

Once you reach Gyalpo you will start your journey for Tibb Cave on the fourth day of your Chadar Trek.  You will start your regime early today. You will have your bed tea at 7 am and breakfast at 8 am. After having a nice breakfast, you will start your journey for Tibb cave. Today, you will have to walk for almost 14 kms. The walk will keep you warm and make you comfortable. You will walk along the Zanskar’s deep ravines. On the way, you will come across some mesmerizing views of frozen waterfalls and many big and small caves. Only one waterfall does not miraculously get frozen even in this freezing cold. Your destination for the day is a cave at Tibb. This cave is a place of abode for all the porters. They will give you a warm welcome with butter tea once you reach at the cave.

Ø  Day 5

On the fifth day your journey will proceed from Tibb Cave to Naerak. You will view some spectacular scenes on this journey. While walking on the river, you will see some Juniper trees tied with prayer flags for good luck and good health. Few meters from this point, you will see the giant frozen waterfall. This sparkling ice structure contains many colors as the sunlight creates magic while passing through it.  Next to the waterfall, you will see a bridge across the river which is used to travel in summer on the way from Zanskar to Leh. Your destination, Naerak village is situated several feet above the river where you can reach after an hour long trek. You will see the lifestyle of Zanskaris in this village. You will set your camp close to the river. After this adventurous journey, you will relax for the day.

Ø  Day 6

On the next day i.e. sixth day you will have to travel from Naerak to Tibb. If you are thinking that you will just retrace your steps back to Chilling, then you are wrong. The Zanskar River changes its form every other day due to change in the climatic conditions. You will not be able to recognize the place which you have earlier seen during your journey. On your way, you will meet many locals wearing their traditional outfits- the woolen Gonchas. You will also meet some monks going from the Lingshed Monastery to Leh and some school kids along with their parents going to school after winter holidays. These locals get adjusted to the changing climate very quickly. This shows their conquering spirit over the harsh climate.

Ø  Day 7

On the seventh day, your return journey will start from Tibb and you will go to Gyalpo. On the way, you will see several trails of pug marks. These are the footprints of animals like snow-leopards or ibex and foxes. You are lucky if you see one of them, but make sure that they are watching you all the time.

Day 8

On this day, you will return to Tilad Do and by road you will again reach Leh.  This is last day of your trek and last day to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Chadar. When you reach Tilad Do you will have to bid a farewell to Zanskar and Zanskaris. You will spend the last night of your trek in a cozy guest house. Tomorrow you will bid adieu your trek team and the porters who took good care of you throughout the trek.

Ø  Day 9

The ninth day will be last day of your exciting and adventurous trek as you will be departing from Leh to your own city with a fresh mind and many memories which you will cherish for lifetime.  This trek will give you a feeling of accomplishment as it is one of the most challenging treks of Himalayas.

Instructions and Guidelines

·         Leh-Ladakh is an eco friendly zone declared so you must not litter anywhere and carry your leftovers with you.

·         Avoid flowy and frilly clothing as it may restrict your movements.

·         To avoid falls and slip on the snowy surfaces you must wear shoes having firm grip. Do not wear casual or sports shoes.

·         Do not travel at night in any circumstances as it may land you in unwanted situations.

·         Always consult an expert trekker before you pack your backpack as a heavy backpack can reduce your speed of trekking.

·         Always follow the given instructions given by the authorities while visiting religious sites like monasteries.

·         Do not disturb or interrupt the locals while on your trek.

·         Always drink the water which has been properly boiled and purified and do not under any circumstances compromise with this habit as it will help you to keep your health low risk.

·         Do not consume heavy meal during the trek as it will make you tired early.

·         Always follow the instructions given by your guide or the trek leader in order to keep yourself safe and complete your trek successfully.

·         Always watch out for the updated weather reports so that you should keep yourself from getting caught in any natural wrecks.

Essential Information

Things to Carry:

• Woolen clothes, fleece and rain-proof jackets
• Insulating gloves, sleeping bag, goggles, backpack with a plastic or water-proof lining
• Trekking shoes, gumboots, stream crossing sandals and trekking stick
• Drinking water, bottles and water purifying pills
• First aid kit, medications (if any), energy packs and chocolate bars
• Torch light with extra pair of bulbs and energy cells
• Toilet papers, mouthwash and hand sanitizers